After a blackout, a power surge can be suspected when appliances or electronics stop working. The cause is not always obvious, so start by protecting safety and preserving evidence rather than immediately disposing of affected equipment.

Unplugged appliances after a blackout
Keep damaged devices and repair reports until the issue is resolved.

Rule out immediate hazards

Turn off and unplug damaged appliances where safe, especially if there is a burning smell, heat or visible damage. Contact an electrician for wiring concerns. Do not repeatedly power up a device that appears unsafe.

Build a record of the event

Note the outage time, lights flickering, affected rooms and appliances that failed. Photographs, purchase receipts and technician reports can help establish age, model and condition. Check whether nearby homes experienced the same event.

Read the electrical-damage wording

Policies may cover certain sudden electrical damage while excluding wear, mechanical breakdown or gradual fault. Excesses, item limits and repair-versus-replacement terms also apply. The PDS is the reference point for what is included.

  • Make electrical hazards safe.
  • Keep devices and damaged parts.
  • Save technician reports and receipts.
  • Record the outage timeline.